Another birthday!

Today is May 6th. It is my mother's birthday. She is 78 years old today. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 6 years ago in Feb. Although we now know she was already in the early stages for a few years before that. It was a relief to know what was wrong with her but also hard to accept at the time because my dad was in his final weeks of life with his cancer. Two major blows in a few short weeks time. It is so hard to watch a person fade away from you. Watching your mother lose her abilities to take care of herself is very emotional. Seeing her lose her communication with the world is heart wrenching. Not being able to understand what she is talking about half of the time is frustrating. So, I usually just nod and agree with her and try to talk about things that she can see or touch at the time. She still knows who I am so that is my real blessing for the time being. She has not lost her ability to share her love for me with hugs and kisses. I do not know when God will call her home to reunite with my father, but I pray he will spare her any undue suffering in this process. She was a very kind and giving mother. A gentle spirit. A woman who served God teaching Sunday school for over 20 years. Someone who I will always cherish. She was not just my mother but my best friend. Happy birthday Mom!